AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: United for Moms nonprofit hosts annual donation drive
Lizzie Gottlieb: April showers bring May flowers, and one local profit has been planting the seeds. Our reporter, Grace Bartels is live in studio with what’s blooming on May 11.
Grace Bartels: Mother’s Day is still a month away, but one local nonprofit has already begun making the day special for Central New York moms.
Katie Hanlon: We’re collecting personal and self care items, so toiletries, like shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant,
Bartels: United for Moms is a program through United Way of CNY that provides additional ways to give back to local communities.
Bartels: Chief community officer Katie Hanlon says the event has grown to look a bit different than it did seven years ago.
Hanlon: In 2018, we started this drive, and I think we gave out 19 bags. Last year we gave out 200. So the growth over the last few years has been tremendous.
Bartels: And what Hanlon says is the real reward, the joy it brings to moms and the connections you get to make
Hanlon: The hugs that I’ve received from some of those moms are worth more than anything.
Bartels: Grace Bartels, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — With Mother’s Day just around the corner, one Central New York nonprofit is already making moms feel special.
United Way of Central New York has kicked off its annual “United for Moms” donation drive, aimed to collect tangible goods for mothers in need. The initiative, now in its seventh year, gathers these essentials to distribute in gift bags ahead of the holiday.
“We’re collecting personal and self-care items, things like shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant,” said Katie Hanlon, United Way of Central New York’s chief community officer.
What began as a small-scale effort has seen remarkable growth over the years.
“In 2018 we started this drive, and I think we gave out 19 bags. Last year we gave out 200. So the growth over the last few years has been tremendous,” Hanlon said.
The program not only provides physical essentials but also emotional rewards for those involved. Hanlon says the experience of connecting with the recipients is especially meaningful.
“The hugs that I’ve received from some of those moms are worth more than anything,” she said.
United for Moms is part of United Way of Central New York’s broader mission to support the local community and bring service and care to those in the community.
Donations for this year’s drive are being accepted now through early May.
For more information on how to give, visit www.unitedwedomore.org/moms.